About Us - Royal Liverpool Seamen's Orphan Institution

About RLSOI

The RLSOI story

Established in 1869, the Royal Liverpool Seamen’s Orphan Institution is dedicated to the welfare of children following the loss of a parent whilst working at sea in either the Merchant Navy or UK Fishing Fleet. Our mission is to ensure these disadvantaged and often emotionally troubled children still receive every opportunity to fulfil their true potential.

Household support is mainly financial with monthly grants to assist with their education and general wellbeing. Emotional and practical guidance is also provided together with signposting/access to professional support when needed. Additional periodic payments can be made for specific educational and sporting activities.

The Trustees of the RLSOI are responsible for the governance and strategy of the Society. Collectively they bring professional experience from a variety of disciplines whilst helping the Society to evolve and meet the growing needs of our beneficiaries. The Board recognises and welcomes fresh ideas and is always open to new talent to draw upon. Our strategy is to ensure we continue to help our children in need for another 150 years whilst further enhancing family outcomes. Overheads are kept to a minimum and met entirely from the benefits accrued from our held investments. As such, any donations or grants received by the RLSOI are paid in their entirety to our beneficiaries.

The Board of Trustees approve and sign off the Institutions Report and Accounts, a copy of which is sent to the Charity Commission once it has been adopted at our Annual General Meeting. Our AGM is normally held around mid September and anyone wishing to attend is invited to register their interest with our Secretary at enquiries@rlsoi-uk.org

RLSOI Timeline

RLSOI today

The work of the RLSOI continues today from offices in Liverpool where regular committee meetings are held to discuss the progress of the children, where also, grants are approved and plans are formulated to maintain the future security of the institution.

There is a small team who implement the decisions taken at these meetings. Regular family reviews supported by local caseworkers and likeminded sponsoring organisations, ensure our work is correctly channelled to deliver the best possible results. Outcomes remain measured by both improving household circumstances together with the educational success and general wellbeing of children throughout their formal academic years. The team encourages family dialogue and post beneficiaries to share their stories and ongoing successes.

Within our maritime community, it is regrettably all too clear that despite social welfare, there is a need for the Institution to help resolve the fears and anxieties of households following bereavement and lost household income. The Royal Liverpool Seamen’s Orphan Institution is here to help you with each enquiry considered on its own merit. You have nothing to lose by making that application and we know the children will have everything to gain.

Our people

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Help us continue our mission to support the education of seafarers' children by making a donation today. Your contribution makes a world of difference.

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